Diving Capernwray with Dive Rutland – July 2026

Our annual trip to Capernwray once again took place over the first weekend in July. This has become a regular fixture in the Dive Rutland calendar as it coincides with the open water dives for our Junior Scuba Divers and/or Open Water Divers, particularly those aged between 10 and 12 years old.

It is always such a fantastic weekend that the Dive Club inevitably gatecrashes and joins in. Why? Because there is something truly special about watching our younger divers progress from the pool into open water. Their enthusiasm is infectious and fits perfectly with the ethos of our dive club.

Saturday

Road diversions around Capernwray created a few interesting detours, but everyone arrived safely. As is tradition, the first order of the day for many was breakfast, where the usual debate broke out: is it a roll, a bap, a bun or a cob? Yes, really. This conversation happens every single year.

Then as we had a lot of divers who had never dived at Capernwray before, Tracey completed a site orientation for everyone

Ben and Tracey took charge of Bertie and Henry, organising their Junior Scuba Diver Open Water Dive 1 and then Dive 2. The boys settled in brilliantly and enjoyed every minute of their underwater adventures.

One question remains unanswered though: just how much food can Henry eat in a single day?

Whilst the junior divers were busy completing their training dives, everyone else organised themselves and headed off for a couple of lovely dives around the site. The visibility certainly did not disappoint. No matter where you were diving, the conditions were excellent... at least until someone stirred things up!

Saturday evening saw most of the group staying at Tewitfield Marina, with a few choosing to camp. Later, many of us met up at the Longlands Pub and Restaurant, where the banter and stories from the day continued long into the evening.

Sunday

After breakfast, we officially had two new Junior Scuba Divers in the group.

Another day and another two dives awaited.

Bertie and Henry stayed with Ben and Tracey and enjoyed two fantastic dive all planned by the boys. Reaching a maximum depth of 12 metres, and with a little assistance, they managed to visit the top of the aeroplane's tail before making their way safely back to the shelf.;

The boys did brilliantly.

The fish seemed happy too, as plenty of sweetcorn accompanied the dives and was enthusiastically shared with the local aquatic residents.

A video of the boys weekend can be found here

The rest of the group got on with their own diving plans, with many finishing the weekend with a full tour of Capernwray, taking in pretty much everything the site has to offer.

Then it was time for the long journey home.

Some Pictures of our weekend

The Weather

Yes, let's talk about the weather.

After a week of hot temperatures at home, we drove north expecting more of the same, only to discover we needed jumpers. The weather had cooled considerably and some members of the group had not packed for cold or wet conditions.

Meanwhile, back home, the sunshine continued.

So yes, the whole "always pack a big coat" thing really is true.

Social Media

Tracey issued a very important instruction for the weekend. She needed photographs of any chocolate eaten or received in preparation for a World Chocolate Day social media post later in the week.

How many photos did she receive?

Far more than expected.

It would appear that chocolate is an essential part of diver nutrition.

Help Was Requested to Write This Blog

Assistance was requested when writing this blog, and several comments and stories were submitted.

Behind every comment is undoubtedly a story. Unfortunately, as I spent most of the weekend with Bertie and Henry, I cannot elaborate on many of them.

The old saying that "what goes on tour stays on tour" definitely applies here.

Some highlights included:

• Some people are just not cut out to ride a horse.

• "Can I have half a chicken?"

We'll leave the rest to your imagination.

Thank You

A huge thank you to everyone who joined us for another fantastic Capernwray weekend, next years annual trip is already in the diary - is it in yours?  July 3rd & 4th 2027

Divers

Billy, Ben, Darren, Joe S, Mark, Matt, Michael, Rick, Tracey, and Vicky.

New Junior Scuba Divers

Bertie and Henry.

And finally, to the parents of Bertie and Henry, thank you for all your help and assistance throughout the weekend. You genuinely helped everything run smoothly.

And thank you for the cake too!